Had bridal alterations here & mother of bride dress made. CC is a nice person but ultimately, she's lacking in the skill and professionalism I expected for something this important. This was the most stressful experience of all my vendors.
MY ...BRIDAL
I bought my dress in another state. This dress is particular to this shop and very detailed so I had reservations about bringing it home rather than just traveling. I was pleased generally at first - CC was nice and her pricing was very reasonable. The only issue I did have was walkins and others coming in during my (and moms appointment)
I did a bridal portrait shoot as a trial run. Seeing pictures, I realized my dress had somewhat lost its shape. I'm a hippie girl than average so I had CC take it out. Problem is, I'm petite up top so I have to be careful not to lose shape. I asked CC to take in waist. She got upset. She complained about time required, chided me and scared me that it would mess up. Went through more than one round of this conversation & in all occasions I made it very clear I didn't care about the cost. Despite losing 15 pounds, no waist..
My last fitting with CC - more walkins. Someone found me another tailor who in 3 days altered the dress. When I went to him to explain every limitation CC told me, he said it wasn't a big deal. He took in waist, found bust to be too wide and it looked perfect. Points CC should have known or didn't feel like addressing.
MOMS DRESS
I wanted my mom to look stunning. My planner told me CC could make a dress and while she was hesitant at first to do so (citing time), she committed and at points seemed excited. I picked a design &fabric. At first, CC put an incredible amount of time - drawing it out, communicating etc. I felt comfortable. The first fitting, was very raw. Second fitting, we spent about an hour shaping. Looked awesome; everyone agreed.
My mom then went to a fitting alone and when I went with her to the next, the dress did not look like the "awesome" fitting at all. Unfinished. CC fought was like that and later speaking to my planner, claimed my mother told her to unpin the dress "in private" to make it less fitted. I was so upset (this was a different style for my mom but she ensured she'd follow my lead in the design and fit).
So I asked my mom why. She responded she didn't. If there's one thing I know about my Mom, she's honest. She can't help it. She got really emotional - I wish I hadn't asked her because she cried about it multiple times saying she wouldn't have done that. When relaying that to CC, she says yes my Mom did. Suggesting my mother a liar is a major issue.
When planner intervened, all the sudden some things that couldn’t be done were. Very clear where she took shortcuts. The dress cost $800 including fabric. Had about a week left before the wedding and had been working on this since April.
In the end, my mom's cousin found her a dress last minute at a formal store she frequents in Lafayette. She never wore CC's. I had taken it to two other alternators - hard to reverse. So as you can see, it was a long journey and many appointments ending with other vendors. We tried to discuss with CC after the wedding. She was defensive, all ignoring three simple points 1) she chose to do something different 2) didn't take responsibility when we said that wasn't ok and 3) likely did so because she was overwhelmed by her business. (cue those walk-ins).